Dear Parent,
If no one has said it to you yet, you’re doing a good job. Parenting was already an uphill grind. But now… with little to no advance notice you’ve become the end all be all in your household in a new way. You’re the parent, the nurse, the teacher, the mental health counselor, the problem-solver, the chef, the baker, the argument resolver, the list goes on. Many of you filled those roles already, but you had other people who took a turn in those spaces with you. Now it feels like it’s ALL ON YOU. That’s hard… everyone in the family is lacking the security that comes from the normal routine and schedule and, as much as you love your kids, you’re probably frustrated by how few moments you’ve been able to have for yourself. Those moments that provided an opportunity for you to catch your breath and get your head on straight before jumping back into the fray.
It makes sense that you’d feel tired right now. It makes sense that you’d feel ill-equipped to teach your kids from home. It makes sense that you’d be stressed out by all of this. It makes sense that you and your kids are going stir crazy. It makes sense that you’d feel yourself and your family floundering a bit in the absence of the normal family schedules and routines. It makes sense that you’d feel frazzled and stressed in the absence of the physical presence of the village you’ve leaned on to help raise your kids along with you. We’re ALL feeling that. You are not alone!
Recognize one thing in this: Even if they’re not saying it… even if their attitudes are crappy… even if you have felt behind the curve for the entire time since schools were closed… your kids are enjoying and benefitting from this extra time with you. Here are a few quick and easy ideas (with links provided) of things you can do with your kids as we all adjust to our temporary “new normal.”
Learn ASL: A few basic signs are quick and easy to learn, most kids enjoy learning how to fingerspell their name! Check out this Youtube video on fingerspelling or try downloading this app to lean some basic ASL vocabulary with your kids.
Visit museums, zoos, theme parks, and acquariums online: A few of the more noteworthy ones include the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the San Diego Zoo (which has the most animal live cam options), and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (which offers 360 degree tours of every exhibit in the museum). Click here to check out the complete list. Want to explore some art galleries? Click here to check out another list that allows you to tour art galleries around the world.
Have a dance party: Search for “Just Dance” on Youtube and you’ll find a wide array of choreographed songs to dance to with your kids. It’s kind of like karaoke, but with dance moves instead. Throw it up on your TV if you’re able and enjoy! Here are starter videos for younger kids and older kids.
Have a paper airplane competition: Nothing beats a little friendly competition! Let each family member pick a design using this Youtube video and let ‘em fly!
Keep your kids spiritually engaged: Westgate’s live-streamed services run on Sundays (10am) and Tuesdays (7pm) and are accessible via the church website (westgatechapel.com), Facebook live (www.facebook.com/wgcedmonds), or on Youtube (by searching for “Westgate Chapel Edmonds”). At the very least, have your kids join you for the beginning worship portion of service! Also check out the Westgate Kids Resource Page for find “Westgate Kids” on instagram for kid specific content and devotions in addition to keeping your high schoolers connected to Westgate Students live-streaming and online activities via Facebook and Instagram.
BONUS: Finally, if all you’ve been hearing is the “I’m bored” phrase from your kiddos… check out this article with 30 ideas to help them change their tune.
